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A selection of FirstTouch's best football writing, brought to you by emerging journalists, collaborators, and fans.

Europe, Digest Tinotenda Magiya Europe, Digest Tinotenda Magiya

Ian Wright talks about Anthony Martial

Is Martial being hampered by Mourinho?

Manchester United winger Anthony Martial dribbles by Sevilla defender in UEFA Champions League 

Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright shares his thoughts on one of Manchester United’s players. Anthony Martial joined Manchester United back in 2015 from Monaco in a deal worth £36m. The player was an instant hit at the Old Trafford as Van Gaal trusted the player to lead the front and the then 19 year old managed to score 11 goals before being shifted to the left of the front three. Martial showed promise of being the go-to-man for the team in the post Ferguson era. Jose Mourinho took over the reigns in 2016 and he had different ideas. Mourinho had faith in other players like the emerging Rashford and Mata. This season, Jese Lingard has moved ahead of Martial in the pecking order and the addition of Alexis Sanchez in the winter transfer window proves that the player is not trusted to lead the attack by the coach. Martial has however, showed that he can deliver even as the centre forward as he scored a couple of goals in the absence of Romelu Lukaku. Wright believes that if United have to let one go between Martial and Rashford, then the Frenchman should be sacrificed. Craig Bellamy backed the former Arsenal legend in saying that he should be doing much more. Martial has the pace and the trickery to beat defenders but is not doing enough when asked to play out wide. Manchester City have done a good job with just as much quality in the front as United but somehow, the Red Devils have failed to make it work. United will not be willing to sell Martial to their rivals so it probably looks like the player would be looking for a move abroad. Do you think United owe Martial a little bit more than he is getting at the moment? Where do you want to see him playing next season? Leave your comments below.

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Europe, Digest Dennis Takaendesa Europe, Digest Dennis Takaendesa

The midfielder confirms when he will hang his boots

Carrick to retire

One of Fergie’s servants has finally come to terms with reality and has decided to hang his boots at the end of the current campaign. Michael Carrick has been a midfield enforcer in the Manchester United team under five different managers including Sir Alex Ferguson, David Moyes, Ryan Giggs, Louis Van Gaal and Jose Mourinho. He is well known and respect for his basic play that slows down the pace of the team and allows them to dominate possession with his quick short passes and rare long balls to the wing. The 36 year-old would have probably wanted to continue playing but has been given little opportunities ever since Mourinho took over and the chances of him playing this season were shuttered by the emergence of McTominay who is younger and fresher than the experienced defensive midfielder. A health problem also contributed to that decision as he has undergone a procedure to correct his heart rhythm. This problem started in the Burton game and also happened in training. We wish him all the best in his last year and hopefully he can lift one more trophy before he retires.

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